Boil water in a stockpot, add baking soda and stir. Drop pretzel rods 10 at a time and leave in water for 30 seconds. Lift out using a spider, shaking off as much water as possible. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, 1 inch apart.

Beat egg and water together and brush on pretzels. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake 15–20 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow to cool on tray.

Melt butter and stir in flour. Cook flour, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Add milk, whisking quickly to not form lumps. Season with salt and pepper. Continue whisking until thickened. Add cheese, beer, mustard, cayenne and Worcestershire and whisk until combined.

Place pretzel fries in a large serving dish and pour cheese sauce overtop. Garnish with bacon, chives and red onion.

Preheat oven to grill/broil settings on high heat. Arrange oven shelf to the middle of your oven.

Combine all of the Garlic Butter ingredients together in a small saucepan (or microwave safe bowl), and melt until garlic is fragrant. Brush the bottoms of each mushroom and place them, buttered side down, on a baking tray.

Flip and brush any remaining garlic over the insides of each cap. Fill each mushroom with the mozzarella slices and tomatoes, and grill/broil until cheese has melted and golden in colour (about 8 minutes).

To serve, top with the basil, drizzle with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt to taste.

For the Balsamic Glaze:
(If making from scratch, prepare while mushrooms are in the oven.) Combine sugar (if using) and vinegar in a small saucepan over high heat and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low; allow to simmer for 5-8 minutes or until mixture has thickened and reduced to a glaze. (If not using sugar, allow to reduce for 12-15 minutes on low heat).